Tag Archives: NDL

A group of military thugs run the nation of Burma–or Myanmar, which is their term–and they have decided to hold an election this spring to show the world they do have the ability to hold elections. The last election twenty years ago resulted in defeat of military goons by the National League For Democracy which led to a ban on the party and house arrest for its leader, Nobel Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi. The NDL confronted the issue of whether or not to participate in a fixed election or to refuse any participation. Aung Kyi spoke out against being part of the charade since it was an “unjust” election which would only result in victory for army leaders.

Could one argue for actually participating in an election you knew was fixed? If for no other reason, it would allow the appearance of expressing views, holding meetings and allowing the world to witness an election in which victors obtained 99% of the vote. Whatever number is used by the goons as evidence of a victory will elicit laughter from the world. By being part of a charade, the NDL demonstrates it IS a charade.

The ruling military junta continued its policies of crushing all opposition by organizing mass demonstrations all over the country, including Yangoon, in which people shouted support for the government while condemning “internal and external destructive elements.” Reporters said anonymous officials were told by the government to round up people for the demonstrations and pay them 80 cents for attending. Amnesty International reports at least 4 prominent leaders of the National League for Democracy (NDL) were arrested along with the other 216 already in custody. One NDL activist died while in custody of “natural causes” and his body was cremated before members of the family to examine the corpse.

UN officials visit Myanmar, members of the military junta undoubtedly protest their innocence, but they will not abandon their program of intimidation and oppression. Talk by the UN will not succeed.